Jefferson's Acquisition of West Florida From the Spanish Was a Major Stick to the French

Jefferson wanted to build on his acquisition of louisiana by acquiring west florida from the spanish. But since spain was now a junior partner in napoleon's about to be declared french empire, it would only come with french pressure and approval. So they told the french, we do not dispute your sovereign claim. We do not recognize hatian independence, but our merchants are going to keep trading with them. And that madison did his best to counch all this as being in anc's best interests.